In this review, the list of the best free software for remote access and control PC over the Internet (also known as programs for remote desktop). First of all, we are talking about the remote administration tools for Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7, although many of these programs also allow you to connect to a remote desktop on other operating systems, including tablets and smartphones Android and iOS.

Why need these programs? In most cases, they are used for remote desktop access or actions for computer maintenance by system administrators and service purposes. However, from the point of view of the ordinary user remotely control any computer via Internet or LAN also can be useful: for example, instead of installing a virtual machine with Windows on a laptop Linux or Mac, you can connect to your existing PC with this OS (and this is just one possible scenario).

Remote desktop (Microsoft Remote Desktop)

Remote desktop Microsoft are good that remote access to a computer with it is not required to install any additional software, in this case, the RDP Protocol that is used when access is reasonably protected and works well.

But there are drawbacks. First of all, while to connect to the remote desktop you can, without installing additional software on all versions of Windows 7, 8 and Windows 10 (and also with other operating systems, including Android and iOS devices by downloading the free client for Microsoft Remote Desktop), the computer to which you are connecting (server), can be only a computer or laptop from Windows Pro and above.

Another limitation is that without additional settings and research, the connection to Microsoft remote desktop only works if your computers and mobile devices are on the same network (e.g. connected to the same router in the case of home use).

However, if you have on your PC installed Windows 10 (8) Professional or Windows 7 ultimate (like many), and access is required only for home use, perhaps Microsoft Remote Desktop will be the ideal option for you.

For more information about using and connecting: Remote desktop Microsoft

TeamViewer

TeamViewer is probably the most famous software for remote desktop Windows and other operating systems. It is in Russian, easy to use, very functional, works perfectly over the Internet and is free for private use. In addition, can work without installation on your computer, which is useful if you require only a single connection.

TeamViewer is available in the form of «big» programs for Windows 7, 8 and Windows 10, Mac and Linux that combines the functions of servers and clients and allows to configure permanent remote access to the computer, in the form of TeamViewer QuickSupport does not require installation, which is immediately after the startup gives ID and password to be entered on the computer from which you will connect. Additionally there is an option TeamViewer Host to ensure connectivity to a specific computer at any time. Also recently appeared in the form of a TeamViewer app for Chrome, there is an official app for iOS and Android.

Among the functions available with the remote computer management TeamViewer

Summing up, TeamViewer is the option that I could recommend to almost anyone who needed a free program for remote desktop and computer management for domestic purposes — it is almost not necessary to understand, as everything is intuitive and easy to use. For commercial purposes you have to buy a license (otherwise you will face the fact that sessions will be automatically torn).

Read more about how to use and where to download: Remote computer management TeamViewer

Chrome remote desktop (Chrome Remote Desktop)

Google has a proprietary implementation of remote desktop running as a Google Chrome app (in this case access will be not only to Chrome on a remote computer, and to the entire desktop). Supported all desktop operating systems, you can install the Google Chrome browser. For Android and iOS also have official clients in the app stores.

To use Chrome Remote Desktop you will need to download a browser extension from the official store, ask the access data (pin), and on another computer to connect using the same extension and the specified pin. To use Chrome remote desktop you must log in with your Google account (not necessarily the same account on different computers).

Among the advantages of the method — the safety and absence of necessity to install additional software if you already use the Chrome browser. Of the shortcomings — limited functionality. Read more: Chrome Remote desktop.

Remote access to the computer AnyDesk

AnyDesk is another free program for remote access to the computer, and it was created by former developers of TeamViewer. Among the advantages, which the creators say is high speed (transfer desktop graphics) compared to other similar utilities.

AnyDesk supports Russian language and all the essential features including file transfer, encrypted connection, the ability to work without installation on your computer. However, functions somewhat less than some of the other solutions for remote administration, but to use the connect to a remote desktop «to work» it’s all there. There are versions of AnyDesk for Windows and all popular Linux distributions. Versions for Mac OS X, iOS and Android is promised (a long time).

According to my personal feelings — this program even more convenient and easier than the previously mentioned TeamViewer. One of the interesting features — working with multiple remote desktops in separate tabs.

More info and download: free program for remote access and control computer AnyDesk

RMS remote access or Remote Utilities

Remote Utilities presented on the Russian market as Remote access RMS (in Russian) is one of the most powerful software for remote access to the computer of those that I have met. At the same time free to manage up to 10 computers even for commercial purposes.

The list of functions includes all that may be necessary and may not be required, including, but not limited to:

Multiple connection modes, including support for RDP connections over the Internet.

Remote installation and deployment.

Access to a video camera, a remote registry and the command line, supports Wake-On-Lan function chat (video, audio, text), record the remote screen.

Support for Drag-n-Drop to transfer files.

Support for multiple monitors.

It’s not all the RMS (Remote Utilities), if you need something really functional for remote administration of computers and free, I recommend to try this option. More info: Remote administration in Remote Utilities (RMS)

UltraVNC, TightVNC and similar

Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a remote connection to the desktop computer, similar to RDP, but multi-platform and open source. For the organization connection, as well as in other similar embodiments are used, the client (viewer) and server (the computer to which you are connecting).

Popular programs (for Windows) remotely access the computer using VNC you can select UltraVNC and TightVNC. Different implementations support different features, but generally everywhere there is the transfer of files, synchronization of the clipboard, transfer of keyboard shortcuts, text chat.

Use UltraVNC and other solutions are not simple and intuitive for novice users (essentially, it’s not for them), but this is one of the most popular solutions to access your computers or your computers. In this article, instructions on how to use and customize to give does not work, but if you have the interest and desire to understand materials for using VNC in a network enough.

AeroAdmin

Program for remote desktop AeroAdmin is one of the easiest free solutions of this kind that I’ve ever met, in Russian and is ideal for novice users who don’t require a substantial functionality beyond simply viewing and control PC over the Internet.

The author recommends reading:

Computer slows down — what to do and why this is happening?

The best free apps every day

How to connect a laptop to a TV (for watching videos and games)

How to distribute the Internet on Wi-Fi with laptop

How to watch TV online for free

The program does not require installation on your computer, and the executable is tiny. About the usage, features and download links: Remote desktop AeroAdmin

For more information

There are many different implementations of remote access to your computer desktop with different operating systems, both free and paid. Among them, Ammy Admin, RemotePC, Comodo Unite and not only.

I have tried to highlight those that are free, functional, support Russian language and not swear (or do so to a lesser extent) antivirus programs (most programs are remote administration RiskWare, i.e. representing a potential threat of an unauthorized access, and therefore be prepared that, for example, on VirusTotal are detecting).